Published on: Friday, 9 November 2018
Last updated: Friday, 9 November 2018
Greater Anglia has decorated a locomotive with a giant poppy as part of its activities to support the Poppy Appeal.
The train operator gave Royal British Legion collectors free travel into London for the capital’s Poppy Day on 1 November and has arranged for collections to take place at rail stations across its network.
Greater Anglia staff also laid a wreath London Liverpool Street’s war memorial today as stations observed a 2 minute’s silence.
In a ceremony lead by Railway Chaplain, Michele Ashton, at London Liverpool Street station’s War Memorial on 9 November, Greater Anglia Manager, Wane Brockett, gave a reading to honour and remember those who have suffered or died in war, in particular in service to the railway.
The railway, and its workers, played a crucial role in World War I. When Britain declared war on Germany, it was trains that enabled efficient movement of the British forces, and equipment, between France and the Home Front.
The trains transported troops, rations, coal, water and artillery across Britain and across Europe in a way never previously seen.
Over 100,000 UK railway workers enlisted when war first broke out. By the end of the war, 20,000 had tragically lost their lives. They are remembered in memorials across the country, with many situated at railway stations.
Greater Anglia will also offer serving military personnel attending Remembrance services, including the Cenotaph service in London on Sunday 11 November, the freedom of the network.
Free travel is valid either in uniform or on production of a current Ministry of Defence issued identity card, with their branch of the military stated (British Army, Royal Air Force or Royal Navy).
Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia's Managing Director said: "We're pleased to show our support for all those who serve or have served in the forces with free travel on Remembrance Sunday. To everyone who serves, or has served, the rail industry salutes you.”